During the convention, the speakers highlighted the need for a long term regulatory and policy roadmap for India’s auto sector and moderating GSTtaxation, as it heads towards global transition to electric vehicle and future mobility.

Welcoming delegates, DrAbhayFirodia, President, SIAM &Chairman, Force Motors urged the government to address the need for a long term regulatory policy roadmap for India’s auto sector and also moderate GST taxation. He however stated that the implementation of GST has made taxation regime far more streamlined.

DrFirodia said policies changed in adhoc manner, creates uncertainty in the industry and called for a 10-year policy roadmap of the sector which will give more sustainability and growth to the sector as vehicles are no more a luxury good and are important for driving economy.

He requested the government to help bring down multiplicity of organization with which the sector have to deal with. He said incompatible and contradictory regulatory environment could shy away investments from the country. Vehicles are an integrated, complex machinery and are manufactured with technical regulations which are globally compatible and follow international norms, he added.

He said in just four years of moving from BS IV to BS VI emissions is very fast and given the fact that the industry today is far more complex, there is a need to build an ecosystem and the transition needs to be gradual than having a sudden disruption. He also stated that IC are not going to roll over and die, and will continue for a decade.

Mr Ram Venkataramani, President, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) & Executive Director, IP Rings said the quality of exports have changed significantly and provide job opportunity to over 3.2 million people in India. “There is a significant room for growth. More than 60 per cent of India’s exports go to matured markets in Europe. We are committed to 2020 BS VI deadline and we move ahead to transition to autonomous, connected vehicles,” he stated.

Mr Rakesh Bharti Mittal, President, CII & Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises said
India’s competitive weakness is struggling in design and product components in auto sector. The sector is working on advancement of manufacturing sector technology, up-skilling and reskilling workers and employment. “More has to be done for sustainability, safety, new value propositions, increased software components in car, in-depth alignment, working closely with supply chain, new technology and be future ready,” he argued.

Dr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, who was the Guest of Honoursaid the auto sector is facing huge disruption as it moves from IC (Internal Combustion) engines to electric vehicles. He however insisted that the auto sector must invest more on innovation and R&D.

“Let our R&D expenditure go beyond one percent. Modern mobility, which is connected, shared and data driven will reduce carbon footprint. We have to plan this transition. And this has to be carefully managed. NITI Aayog is open to new ideas and suggestions,” Dr Kumar asserted.

He further informed that the NITI Aayog is finalizing framework for auto industry and is coordinating with state governments to form a task force and come out with a paper for future mobility.

Speaking at SIAM’s Annual Convention, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, MrAnant G Geeteassured that the government would soon come out with the new auto policy. He explained that any policy shouldn’t be made in a hurry and that each and every aspects of the industry would be discussed with the industry and considered before finalizing the new auto policy.

“We understand your concerns on GST. There should be no fear in the mind of the industry.While we are going through a process of change, we also have to understand the need of the consumer. The new policy will be industry, consumer and environment friendly.It is important for us to move on and change according to time. If we don’t we will slip back. We are here to work and ensure growth of the industry.,” MrGeete explained.

MrGeetecommending the industry urged it to proactively involve and help reduce dependence on single technology and focus on R&D for sustainable development of automobile sector. Globally auto industry is transitioning and moving faster than ever before, he added.

The Guest of Honour, MrDharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development &Entrepreneurship gave his insight on BS-VI emission norms and its benefit to the auto industry and assured that the government will ensure a level playing field for the industry.

Mr Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport, Highways& Shipping and Water Resource, River Development, & Ganga Rejuvenation, who was the Guest of Honourannounced exemption of commercial vehicles, buses, taxis and all vehicles running on alternative fuel from the permit requirements. This, he said will open more businesses for the industry. He also informed that any two wheeler can be run as a taxi in non-metro cities and this will provide large employment opportunities for young people.

He also called upon the industry to look at diversification and new economically viable businesses. “You can explore water transport, which will not only be economical but also provide open growth for the auto sector.We are adding more roads, highways and industry is benefitting from it. The government is ensuring seamless, faster traffic which will connect people and goods faster. More access to fast track and electronic toll plaza is being given. We are also cancelling speed governors. We don’t need it as we are developing good roads. There is no need to limit the speed artificially,” said MrGadkari.

He said the industry must ensure better models, engines and produce high performance vehicles. “Our government has given priority for development of bio-fuel. Our price centric mentality need to be cost and comfort centric,” he added.

MrRajanWadhera, Vice President, SIAM & President – Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra while concluding the session stated that India’s auto sector has grown in size and stature and has plans to create 65 million additional jobs. However,the industry faces massive challenges but despite all odds, it is working hard with different stakeholders and the government to ensure sustainability and growth.

About SIAM

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is a not-for-profit apex national body representing all major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. SIAM works towards supporting sustainable development of the Indian Automobile Industry with the vision that India emerges as the destination of choice in the world for design and manufacture of automobiles. It also works towards facilitating enhancement of the competitiveness of the Indian Automobile Industry, reducing cost of vehicles, increasing productivity and achieving global standards of quality.